The Honeymoon Bridge Collapse: When Ice Took Down a Giant
The Honeymoon Bridge Collapse: When Ice Took Down a Giant
Niagara Falls is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and status as the Honeymoon Capital of the World, but hidden in its dramatic history is the story of one of the most memorable bridge collapses in North America — the fall of the Honeymoon Bridge in 1938.
What Was the Honeymoon Bridge?
Officially called the Upper Steel Arch Bridge, the Honeymoon Bridge connected Niagara Falls, New York, and Niagara Falls, Ontario. Opened in 1898 and designed by engineer R.S. Buck, the 840-foot steel arch bridge quickly became a local icon, offering stunning views of the Niagara River and Niagara Gorge.
Nicknamed the “Honeymoon Bridge” due to its popularity with newlyweds, it carried trolleys, carriages, and pedestrians between the U.S. and Canada.
Why Did the Honeymoon Bridge Collapse?
The bridge’s biggest design flaw was its proximity to the river’s surface, making it vulnerable to winter ice buildupsknown locally as “ice bridges.” Over the years, massive ice jams from Lake Erie pushed against its abutments, threatening its structure.
In January 1938, after days of rising pressure from an enormous ice jam and flooding that submerged local docks, the inevitable occurred. On January 27, 1938, at 4:20 p.m., in front of a crowd of stunned onlookers, the bridge collapsed in one dramatic piece into the icy Niagara Gorge.
Was Anyone Hurt in the Collapse?
Remarkably, no one was injured. Traffic had been suspended days earlier due to the obvious danger. The event was a wake-up call for engineers and border officials.
What Replaced the Honeymoon Bridge?
The Rainbow Bridge, completed in 1941, was constructed 500 feet north of the original site. Built with higher abutments and a more resilient design, it became the new primary international crossing between Canada and the U.S. in Niagara Falls. The Rainbow Bridge remains in use today, serving thousands of vehicles daily.
What About the Whirlpool Rapids Bridge?
Often confused with the Honeymoon Bridge, the Whirlpool Rapids Bridge (Lower Steel Arch Bridge) was never its replacement. It still operates nearby, mainly for NEXUS pass holders and rail traffic.
Legacy of the Honeymoon Bridge
The Honeymoon Bridge collapse remains one of the most dramatic events in Niagara Falls history. It serves as a powerful reminder of how nature can overpower even the greatest feats of human engineering.
If you’re exploring Niagara Falls or interested in Canadian-American infrastructure history, this story is essential. And when you walk across the Rainbow Bridge today, you’re walking in the shadow of a fallen giant.
